She was just 16 when she first donned a nurse's uniform and nearly 47 years later Fiona Craske is finally saying goodbye to the profession, after working her whole career in Norfolk.
Nearly half-a-century ago hospital life was totally different, the grandmother-of-four said.
'The length of stays in hospital has been greatly reduced, because of better care. And hospitals are not as strict. It used to be like being in the army.
'Also, early in my career we saw so many stroke patients, but blood pressure is now being better controlled, so you don't get so many. A lot of things have changed for the better,' she said.
Mrs Craske was given a rousing send-off by colleagues at Sheringham medical practice on Thursday, April 27.
Born in the East End of London she was 10 when she moved to Cromer, and four years later she already wanted to be a nurse.
'My mother found out about a pre-nursing course I could do when I was 14, and I did that for two years at Wymondham,' she said.
The 63-year-old, who lives in Cromer, said she had mixed emotions about leaving the job she has loved 'nearly every minute'.
She said: 'I will miss the patients the most and the amazing staff at Sheringham. It has been one of the best places to end a career. 'The staff have always been very supportive, especially recently as my husband Christopher has not been well.'
She started as a nurse on June 5, 1969 at Cromer hospital.
'I did two years there as a cadet nurse,' she added. 'I was three years as a study nurse at the Norfolk and Norwich hospital.
'I then went to Kelling hospital where I did five years and did my British thoracic chest training.
'Then it was back to Cromer hospital where I worked for 10 years in casualty. I was then a community district nurse for 28 years before a short spell at the Paston surgery in North Walsham. I came to Sheringham in May 2013 as a practice nurse.'
Sheringham practice manager Pauline Craske, who is no relation, said: 'My nursing team is outstanding and she's been fantastic. She's got close links to people locally. She's fun and she's been a great member of the team. She's got a great rapport with the patients who will definitely miss her. And we will miss her.'
Are you saying goodbye to someone who has devoted their whole life to one profession? Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk
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